Copper Metallic Brocade Sweetheart Dress

Description

The color and abstract floral motif of this metallic brocade seemed like the perfect choice for sewing a special occasion dress, which I made for my West Coast book launch party last month for BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern. This event was particularly near and dear to me since it was taking place in my hometown at Britex Fabrics, a beautiful sewing and fabric emporium in San Francisco that opened its doors 60 years ago. (Check out the last two party photos shot by photographer extraordinaire Sarah Deragon last month.) I also photographed my project in SoHo.

I stayed up all night sewing before hopping on the plane. I made a sweetheart variation using the Elizabeth Gathered-Waist Dress I designed for the book. I decided to add a sweetheart neckline for a little retro flair and used a center back zipper, shortened the hemline, and made slight fit adjustments to the bodice. For a cleaner finish, I did a blind hem stitch on the hem. The metallic brocade was great for turning this flirty silhouette into a stunning evening look that shimmers under the light.

New Bodysuit Sloper!

BurdaStyle is a DIY fashion and sewing community. Our aim is to bring the craft of sewing to a new generation of fashion designers, hobbyists, DIY'ers, and inspire fashion enthusiasts. We offer downloadable PDF sewing patterns, project ideas, tutorials and a community passionate about fashion. Press coverage on BurdaStyle can be found here.